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Rewards could help wellness program participation

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Rewards could help wellness program participation

Wellness programs are often plagued with low participation rates, but there may be a quick fix. A recent survey shows that nearly all employees will engage in healthy activities in exchange for a reward.

Ninety-one percent of employees surveyed said they would engage in healthier behaviors if they had rewards to show for it — even if they had a hefty salary, according to the survey released Wednesday by the Washington-based National Business Group on Health and Denver-based population health management company Welltok Inc.

The vast majority — 98% — of employees under age 35 said rewards were a big motivator, while 85% of employees over 55 said rewards would get them moving.

In addition, employees surveyed said their colleagues at 86% and direct managers at 57% were big motivators for improving their overall health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The survey, conducted in April and May, is based on interviews with 1,003 full time employees enrolled in employer-sponsored health insurance at companies with more than 1,000 workers.

Employees also said they want a hand in becoming financially healthy. Sixty-three percent of those surveyed making less than $50,000 said they wanted employers to take part in their financial wellbeing, while 44% of those making at least $200,000 said they wanted their employer to play a role.

In general, younger workers between 18 and 34 said employers should get involved in their financial health, while workers older than 45 were less interested. Women were also more likely to want financial help from their employer, according to the survey.

Even so, many workplace wellness programs exhibit low participation rates. Only 48% of employees surveyed said they had participated in a physical wellness program, while 24% said they took part in an emotional program, and 37% participated in a financial security program, the survey showed.

Most of those who did participate in a physical wellness program — 81% — said they saw a positive impact on their health. Those who did not participate said the programs didn't feel personally relevant, or they didn't know they were available.

“Personalization is the key, and there are emerging engagement platforms and point solutions that show great promise in driving and sustaining engagement by leveraging data, predictive analytics and technology to reach people with personalized, timely, relevant and actionable information,” NBGH CEO Brian Marcotte said in a statement announcing the results.

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